Monday Musette – Farrar, Hampsten, and Mueslix

1. Congratulations to Tyler Farrar for breaking through with a big win in yesterday’s Vattenfall Cyclassics. It’s a result we’ve been expecting from Farrar, and it followed a solid effort from his Garmin team. With Tom Danielson on form as well, it could be an interesting fall for the boys in blue and orange argyle. And remember folks, I know it seems like Farrar’s been around for years (well, he has), but the guy’s still only 25. Big things beckon for the young American! I see a contract with a Belgian team in his future.

2. Lately there’s been a lot of praise for the website Cycling Quotient, most recently in a recent Boulder Report post. A treasure trove of information for data-lovers, I can’t believe I haven’t stumbled upon it sooner. CQ’s Head 2 Head feature is one of its most interesting, allowing you to select two riders and (duh) compare their head-to-head results. The site’s also a terrific source for the most up-to-date transfer rumors and news. They’re not all accurate–they’re rumors after all–but it’s a great way to get yourself caught-up on what’s been floating around.

3. Not sure if you’ve ever taken a trip over to Hampsten Cycles, but if you haven’t, you should. Andy and his brother Steve make some of the nicest looking and most thoughtfully designed bikes I’ve ever seen. A lot of the work is done in-house and some is outsourced to such frame building luminaries such as Moots and IF.

I have my eye on two of them. First, there’s the Classic, which they describe as their “tribute to 1970’s racing icons such as Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck, bushy sideburns included”. Classic geometry, room for wider tires, and a tasteful simplicity evoke the era and region that the bike’s inspiration.

The second and perhaps most tempting to me is the Strada Bianca, named for the white dirt roads of Tuscany, home to L’Eroica. The Strada Bianca is Hampsten’s “60’s era” road bike, one built for even wider tires than it’s Classic brother. The bike pictured is shod with Rivendell’s 33.3mm Jack Brown’s. Beautiful indeed.

4. And speaking of Rivendell, have you ever spent some time at their site? For some, I’m sure Rivendell’s a household name, but if it isn’t, take a few moments to get aquainted with who they are and what they do. As autumn approaches and your thoughts turn to falling leaves and rougher roads, Rivendell could be a great source for your wide-tire needs. I’ve already ordered a set of the aformentioned Jack Brown’s; look for a review in the future.

5. Last but not least, Here Come the Belgians has a nice post on mueslix. I remember the mueslix our Swiss soigneur used to make at Mercury. When done right, it’s a wonderful slurry of oats, fruit, and yogurt–perfect for a long day in the saddle (or team car).

That’s it for today. What’s on your mind?

Share your comments below.

About Whit

My experiences might easily fit many cycling fans' definitions of “living the dream.” Since getting hooked on the sport watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship, I've raced as an amateur on Belgian cobbles, traveled Europe to help build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux. As a former assistant director sportif with Mercury-Viatel, I've also seen the less dreamy side of the sport – the side rife with broken contracts, infighting, and positive dope tests. These days, I live with my lovely wife in Pennsylvania and share my experiences and views on the sport at Bicycling Magazine, the Embrocation Cycling Journal, and at my own site, Pavé.